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Add network support to your printer |
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| You can make non-network printers network-ready using a print server—an add-on network adapter designed specifically for printers. HP print servers are called Jetdirect, and there are several types available depending on the type of printer you have. |
- Network-capable printer: Some printers don’t come with the network interface as a standard feature. If that’s the case, they usually include an expansion slot on the back or inside the printer—which is where you can install a Jetdirect card (adds a RJ-45 jack to the printer).
- Non-network: You can still network a printer without a Jetdirect expansion slot using an external Jetdirect box. (Both wired and wireless models are available.) The printer’s USB or parallel interface connects to this box, which then connects to the network. Most Jetdirect boxes support multiple printers, including non-HP printers.
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Connect a printer to a wireless network |
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| You connect a printer to a wireless network with software and radio signals, not cables. If your printer supports a wireless LAN connection, called WiFi or 802.11, you can connect it to your home’s wireless network just like a notebook computer. |
| Steps for a wireless network: |
- Consult the documentation to see how your printer manages its wireless connections.
- If your wireless network uses security, obtain a security key from your router, switch or access point.
- If you don’t remember your key, follow the instructions that came with the wireless box to access its security setup. There might be a Windows-based setup program you can run from a CD, or a webpage.
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Installing the print driver |
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| Once you’ve connected the printer to the network, you have to install a driver for the printer on each PC that be using it. Driver software helps the computer and printer operate efficiently, and comes either on a CD-ROM, or find the latest drivers from HP’s support website. |
| When you’re ready to print to your network printer on a computer running Windows XP: |
- Choose Start > Settings > Printers and Faxes
- Select Add a Printer from the Printer Tasks
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- Follow the steps in the Add Printer Wizard to connect to your network printer. On the second screen of the wizard, be sure to select a network printer, or printer attached to another computer. This will help the wizard find your printer on the network.
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Today, most printers are equipped with networking capabilities. The best way to network a printer is to connect it directly to your home network by using a network adapter—sometimes called a network interface card, or NIC. This adapter can be either wired or wireless.
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